Manchester United are reportedly chasing a deal for Sporting ace Goncalo Inacio, and a fee in the region of €45m (£37 million) could be enough to sanction a deal, as per reports in Portugal.
Both Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof are expected to head to the club's egress this summer following their contracts' expiry. It leaves Ruben Amorim's squad thin in numbers at the back, though they are hoping to sign replacements this summer.
Inacio has been on the Red Devils' radar for quite some time, and it was previously revealed exclusively by GIVEMESPORT that Manchester United first registered their interest in Inacio to strengthen their woeful defence.
United Chasing Deal for Sporting Ace Inacio
The defender previously worked with Amorim in Portugal
As per Portuguese outlet A Bola (via Sport Witness), the side could be able to land the Almada-born defender this summer for £37 million, though they may face competition from Borussia Dortmund, who were interested in January.
United captain Bruno Fernandes shares the same agent with Inacio, and Amorim previously worked with the 23-year-old at Sporting, and both these factors could play into the north-west outfit's favour.
Dubbed "one of the best defenders in Europe", Inacio could be the sort of player to repair the leaky defence at Manchester United that has conceded the eighth most expected goals in the league.
Goncalo Inacio vs Manchester United defenders - 2024/25 Statistics comparison
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The club have also been credited with interest in club teammate Ousmane Diomande, but the Ivorian has a hefty price tag worth up to £70 million on his signature. Inacio could be a more affordable option for United, and the Portugal international also has more senior experience over the 21-year-old Ivorian as well.
Inacio has made over 200 senior appearances for the Sporting first-team since graduating from the youth academy in 2020. That includes 32 outings this campaign, in which he has registered five goals and two assists. He has also earned a further 14 caps for the Portugal national team to his name, and has scored twice in the process.
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Statistics courtesy of FBRef.com - Correct as of 29/03/2025